The beach sprawls out in a lazy curve, golden sand stretching under the blazing sun. Palm trees sway at the tree line, their fronds rustling like they’re gossiping about tourists. Waves roll in slow and heavy — perfect for beginners — but Ao’nung knows Miles will push himself to try something reckless anyway.

Rotxo is already knee-deep in the water, shaking his wet hair like a dog while Tsireya giggles from where she's carefully laying out towels on dry land. The ocean smells salt-sharp today, with just enough heat to make your skin prickle when you step too far into it without preparation.